FVM Unud Explores Research Collaboration with Seoul National University on Marine Mammal Stranding

• Posted by: Admin
• Jumat, 11 September 2026
• Has been read 21 time(s)

Denpasar, September 11, 2026 — The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University (FVM Unud), welcomed a visit from Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea, for an initial discussion on opportunities to develop collaborative research on networking, investigation, and response to marine mammal stranding events. The visit was part of an initial exploration of academic and research collaboration between FVM Unud and Seoul National University.

The discussion covered network development, case investigation, diagnostic capacity building, as well as the technical and logistical readiness required to respond to marine mammal stranding events. The two parties also discussed research administration and governance, including licensing requirements, administrative procedures for foreign researchers and partner institutions, and coordination mechanisms with relevant stakeholders. The preparation of a cooperation agreement as a basis for implementing collaborative research was also part of the discussion.

Coordination with various stakeholders was also discussed to support research activities in accordance with applicable regulations and to strengthen response networks for marine mammal stranding events.

The discussion then focused on the technical aspects of research and case investigation. Topics included mechanisms for reporting and documenting stranding events, field data collection, examination and sampling procedures, as well as the potential development of investigation protocols that could be jointly implemented.

Standardization of data and sample collection methods was also highlighted to ensure that investigation results from different locations can be compared and analyzed more comprehensively. In this context, a network involving academics, veterinarians, researchers, government institutions, local communities, and relevant organizations or agencies was considered important to support the availability of field information and facilitate integrated investigations.

In addition to research aspects, the two parties discussed logistical requirements and operational readiness to support field activities. These included the availability of equipment for initial response and examination, sample collection and storage supplies, transportation facilities, documentation systems, and mechanisms for transporting samples from incident sites to laboratories.

Identifying these requirements is an important part of investigation planning, particularly when incidents occur in hard-to-reach locations or require a response within a relatively short period.

The visit also included a tour of the diagnostic laboratory facilities at FVM Unud. The tour was conducted to assess the availability of facilities and infrastructure that could support sample examination for marine mammal stranding research, including facilities that may be utilized for pathological, microbiological, molecular, and other diagnostic examinations as required by the research.

 

The findings from the tour will serve as a consideration in identifying the laboratory capacities currently available, as well as diagnostic facilities or methods that may need to be developed or strengthened to support future collaborative research.

The activity aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 4: Quality Education, through the development of academic and research capacity in veterinary medicine and fields related to marine ecosystems. It also supports SDGs 14: Life Below Water, particularly through the development of research on the investigation and response to marine mammal stranding events. Meanwhile, the collaborative aspect of the activity contributes to SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the exploration of academic and research collaboration between FVM Unud and Seoul National University, as well as the development of networks involving various stakeholders.

Overall, the visit and discussions between FVM Unud and Seoul National University demonstrated a shared interest in exploring potential areas of collaboration, including marine mammal stranding event networks and reporting systems, field investigation and sampling, laboratory diagnostic analysis, and the development of human resource capacity and supporting facilities. This initial exploration is expected to serve as a starting point for developing research collaboration between FVM Unud and Seoul National University, while also strengthening networks, diagnostic capacity, and investigation methods for responding to marine mammal stranding events.